Welcome to the Cantilever Rack Buying Guide
United Rack Solutions, located at 600 Henri Circle, Sinking Spring, PA, presents this comprehensive guide to cantilever racking systems. Ideal for warehouse managers and business owners, it covers system types, components, accessories, design considerations, and safety practices to optimize your storage for long, bulky, or irregular items.
For expert advice or a custom quote, call us at (610)-757-0011 or request a quote below.
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What is Cantilever Racking?
Cantilever racking is a robust and versatile storage solution specifically engineered for housing long, bulky, or irregularly shaped items that pose challenges for conventional pallet racking systems. Its defining feature is the use of upright columns extending with horizontal arms, providing unobstructed access to stored materials. This design significantly enhances operational efficiency and reduces the risk of damage during the handling of goods. Often referred to as lumber racks, pipe racks, or furniture racks, cantilever systems are ideally suited for a wide array of materials, including but not limited to PVC pipes, steel bars, aluminum extrusions, and large furniture pieces.
Types of Cantilever Racking Systems
United Rack Solutions provides a comprehensive range of cantilever racking systems, each engineered to meet specific storage requirements and warehouse layouts. Understanding the different types available is crucial for selecting the most effective solution for your operational needs. Our selection includes variations designed for different load capacities, space constraints, and material handling processes.
Structural Cantilever
Heavy-duty, made from hot-rolled steel, ideal for very heavy loads, automated systems, or outdoor use with a canopy. Highly durable against forklift impacts.
Roll-Formed Cantilever
Lighter and cost-effective, made from cold-rolled steel, suitable for lighter loads but less resistant to damage.
Double-Sided Cantilever
Accessible from both sides, perfect for creating aisles in warehouses for efficient loading and unloading.
Single-Sided Cantilever
Placed against walls, accessible from one side, with larger bases to prevent tipping under heavy loads.
Furniture Cantilever Racks
Specifically designed with wider bases and potentially padded arms to safely store and display furniture items without damage.
Pipe & Bar Cantilever Racks
Engineered with features like pipe cradles or end stops to securely store cylindrical items like pipes, tubes, and bars.
Cantilever Rack Components
Uprights and Bases
Vertical columns with bolted or welded bases for stability. Available in single or double-sided configurations, with punch holes every 3″ for arm attachment.
Arms
Horizontal supports, available as straight (with slight pitch) or inclined. Secured with hairpin keepers, with optional lips to prevent roll-off.
Bracing
Structural channel members that bolt uprights together, providing lateral stability. Typically in sets of two or three, depending on upright height.
Cantilever Rack Accessories
Enhance your cantilever system with accessories for improved safety, organization, and functionality:
Wire Deck
Creates a flat, ventilated surface for small or irregular items.
Solid Deck
Heavy-duty steel pan for sheet goods and furniture panels.
Removable Pipe End Stops
Prevents pipes or bars from rolling off the arms.
Bolt-On Pipe Sockets
Quickly add stop pins or saddles—no welding needed.
Canopy / Roof Brackets
Add a weather shield for outdoor lumber & steel yards.
Arm Color Coding
Visually separate weight classes or inventory zones.
Designing Your Cantilever Racking System
Careful planning is essential for a safe and efficient cantilever racking system. Below are critical factors to consider when designing your system:
Arm Length and Count
Arm length should match or exceed product depth. Calculate arm count by dividing total load weight by the number of arms, respecting each arm's capacity. Overhang should be half the distance between upright centerlines.
Upright Height
Determine height based on forklift capacity and building height using the formula: (number of arms × arm height) + base height + (load height + 4–6″ clearance × number of levels) + 4″ above top arm. Add extra height for back support if needed.
Bracing Requirements
Use X-brace panels in end bays and alternate interior bays, with horizontal braces for stability. Brace length is center-to-center of uprights. Consult the table for requirements based on column height.
| Column Height | X-Braces | Straight Braces |
|---|---|---|
| 8′ | 2 | 0 |
| 10′–12′ | 3 | 1 |
| 14′–16′ | 3 | 2 |
Base and Upright Connection
Choose bolted uprights for easier assembly or welded for enhanced stability. Ensure bases are sufficiently robust to prevent tipping, especially for single-sided units.
Cantilever Rack Safety and Maintenance
Maintaining a safe and efficient warehouse environment is paramount when using cantilever racking systems. United Rack Solutions emphasizes the following safety guidelines and maintenance tips to ensure the longevity and safe operation of your racking:
Safety Guidelines
- Uniformly Distributed Loads (UDLs): Distribute weight evenly across arms to prevent stress and potential failure.
- Forklift Training: Ensure all forklift operators are thoroughly trained on navigating and loading/unloading cantilever racks to avoid collisions.
- Regular Inspections: Conduct routine checks (at least monthly) for any signs of damage such as dents, bends, or loose fasteners, adhering to OSHA standards.
- Environmental Considerations: When installing cantilever racks, especially outdoors or in seismic zones, ensure the system is appropriately specified and anchored.
Maintenance Tips
- Inspect for Damage: Immediately replace any damaged components, including bent arms or cracked uprights.
- Secure Connections: Regularly verify and tighten all bolts and ensure that bracing is securely in place.
- Clean Racks: Keep the racking system free of debris to prevent corrosion, particularly important for outdoor installations.
- Professional Installation: Engage certified professionals for the initial assembly and any significant modifications to ensure structural integrity.
Contact us at (610)-757-0011 for comprehensive safety audits or maintenance support services.
Request a Safety ConsultationDetermining Cantilever Rack Weight Capacities
Understanding the weight-bearing capabilities of your cantilever rack system is crucial for safe and effective storage. The load capacity is determined by several factors, including the arm capacity and the overall tower capacity. Here’s a breakdown of how to think about weight limits:
- Arm Capacity: Each arm is designed to support a specific portion of the load. To determine the required capacity per arm, divide the total weight of the items being stored on a level by the number of support arms on that level. For instance, if a level holds an 8000 lb load supported by 3 arms, each arm must be rated for at least 2666 lbs.
- Tower Capacity: The total weight a single upright tower can support is calculated by multiplying the load capacity of each arm by the total number of arms attached to one side of the tower. For a double-sided rack with 12 arms per side, each capable of holding 2666 lbs, and if there are 3 upright towers, each tower must have a capacity of at least (12 arms \* 2666 lbs) / 3 towers = 10,664 lbs.
- Important Note: Items stored directly on the base of the upright do not contribute to the calculation of the tower's arm-based weight capacity.
Standard arm capacities typically range from 500 to 2000 lbs, with options for higher capacities available for specialized needs. It is vital to never exceed the rated capacity of the arms to prevent potential damage or failure.
💡 Pro Tip: Always place items so the weight is evenly distributed across the cantilever arms. Ensure the load does not overhang more than half the distance to the next upright, and never exceed the arm's rated weight capacity to prevent dangerous deflection or failure.
Ready to Optimize Your Warehouse?
Contact United Rack Solutions at 600 Henri Circle, Sinking Spring, PA, for custom cantilever racking solutions or safety consultations. Call (610)-757-0011 or request a quote today!
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